Which exercise is best during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a period when your body undergoes a great deal of physical and emotional Changes. It is a well-researched fact that maintaining a regular exercise routine during pregnancy can help stay physically and mentally healthy and have a safe pregnancy and childbirth. However, a large majority of pregnant women or around three quarters with a healthy pregnancy lead a sedentary lifestyle or don’t do enough exercise.

National Health Portal of India (NHP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG ) and many such expert agencies recommend at least 150 mins of moderate intensity exercise, 3-5 days a week during pregnancy. The benefits of exercising during pregnancy are myriad, including the better possibility of normal delivery, shorter labour, maintaining healthy weight, manage common pregnancy discomforts, easier to get back to pre-pregnancy levels, relaxed and stress-free mind etc.

“What is the best exercise to do during pregnancy” is a common question asked!!

It is important to remember that at this point in time what you need is a fitness routine that gives a 360-degree benefit. Ideally, the fitness routine should-

• Be safe for you and your baby
• Get your heart pumping
• Improve and maintain flexibility
• Manage weight gain
• Prepare you body and muscles for labour and childbirth
• Be kind on your joints and not too strenuous.
• Equally work on your physical and mental wellness.

A good combination of exercises during pregnancy includes:

1. Walking

It’s a great exercise to work on your heart and lungs, it keeps you physically fit and active moreover its safe to do it throughout your pregnancy.

2. Swimming

It’s a safe activity during pregnancy and the water helps to support the extra weight. Swimming has many benefits which include improving circulation, heart and lung function, muscle tone and strength etc.

3. Yoga

It’s a mind and body workout. Yoga helps to tone the muscles and improve balance circulation during pregnancy. Yoga routines when coordinated with breathing helps in relaxation which is vital during pregnancy, labour and birth period.

4. Pilates

It helps to stretch and strengthen the core and lower limbs. Having a strong core leads to lesser back pain and postural problems. Pelvic strength is very critical during delivery. A strong core and pelvis are better equipped to handle labour pain.

5. Strength training

It helps to increase muscle strength in the body and build stamina, which is needed during labour and delivery. It can also help keep the weight gain within a healthy range for the body.

6. Barre

It focusses on strengthening the core, hips and legs—exactly what is needed to stay stable and strong, during pregnancy and use later on when it’s time to push. Building a strong physical foundation will also help in bouncing back much quicker during the postpartum period.

7. Kegel

It is one of the most important exercises during pregnancy. According to the National Health Portal of India (NHP) and American Pregnancy Association (APA):

Pregnant women who perform Kegel during pregnancy often find they have an easier birth

Better ability to control muscles during labour and delivery

Toning the muscles thus helping with decreased bladder control and haemorrhoids

After pregnancy, helps in perineal healing.

It is ideal to mix and match the various fitness routines for a 360-degree workout during pregnancy. Walking is an activity that can be done every day. Choose one routine a day and enjoy the benefits that each fitness routine can give. Having different routines will also help avoid getting bored with monotony and keep you motivated. Always remember that your body is the best judge of how much you can do and take adequate rest if required.

During pregnancy, the key is to build strength and confidence in yourself. Exercising also releases endorphins, a hormone that keeps you happy and helps deal with stress. So, take a few minutes off every day to focus on building a stronger and happier you!

REMEMBER -HEALTHY MOTHER, HEALTHY BABY.

Article by Ganga Raj, an internationally accredited fitness consultant with more than 15 + years experience in general fitness and pre and post natal fitness.